FOLD Kids Book Fest 2022 - Festival Program

BIOS

LIST

WRITING PORTFOLIO

SNAIL BE CALM Rain Edan-Dominas

EARTH Rania Husain

OUR STORMY QUEST Lehara Lokuge

ALWAYS WATCHING Riya Sarkar

PEACE Zara Enayetullah

CHARLIE’S BOOKS

Fritsch

FLY Zaina Husain

LELI’S DREAM Moira Dingwall

THE LUCKY DUCK WHO GOT A BUCK Sarah Ahmed

DRAGON AND THE BUTTERFLY

Samuel

NARI-LEE AND IVAH, TWIN HYDRAS

Sood

LILO AND PEK

“Aaron” McGurrin

REVERSEPUNZEL

Burga

YOUR INNER BUNNY

Whitby

FOLD STAFF

Jael Richardson Executive Director

Amanda Leduc Communications & Development Coordinator Ardo Omer Kids Coordinator

Kilby Smith-McGregor Graphic Designer

Jonisha Lewinson Marketing Intern

FOLD KIDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Claire Chan Toni Duval Calyssa Erb Genna Goldman Meena Johal Rabia Khokhar Paula Pires Fiona Ross Rahma Shere

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ishta Mercurio Chair

Teri Vlassopoulos Treasurer

Ashish Seth Secretary

Karen Richardson Mason Director, Children’s Programming David Burga Director, Adult Programming Felicia Quon Director, Sponsorships & Special Prizes

Cynthia Innes Director, Human Resources Mark Richardson Director, Board Governance

ONCE UPON A FOLD...

ONCE UPON A TIME, THERE WAS A BEAUTIFUL CITY FULL OF PEOPLE FROM ALL DIFFERENT CULTURES AND COMMUNITIES...

They loved books and they had beautiful book buildings but they longed for a place to celebrate stories and writers who reflected the magical flower world they called home.

In this city, there lived a woman. She wrote books and she dreamed of a book party in her magical flower city that would draw readers and writers of every kind from far and wide.

So she started a festival with her favourite friend. There were wonderful book parties, and they were happy.

But when they looked around, they saw that there was not a lot for kids.

So they dreamed and they dreamed, and they realized that they would need a special book party just for kids, and someone extra special to help them make the kids party fantastic. They searched far and wide for the perfect person—and they found her! They started a book party when the summer turned orange and red and the wind blew through the magical city of flowers.

Now, three women work together to bring book parties and writing wonders to the magical flower city of Brampton every fall. They draw writers from around the world to spaces both real and virtual so that all children in all places can find themselves in books.

And we all live happily ever after.

Jael Richardson, Amanda Leduc & Ardo Omer

SILVER

BRONZE

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

VIRTUAL EVENTS

1. Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 9:00 am

CULTIVATING KINDNESS PT. 1 STORYTIME WITH LEONARDA CARRANZA

It’s time for a story! In this session, author Leonarda Carranza reads from her picture book, Abuelita and Me, followed up by a Q&A on kindness.

Age 4+. 30 minutes

2. Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 9:00 am CROCODILE TALES WITH LAWRENCE HILL FEATURING AINARA ALLEYNE

Join us for a fantastic conversation with award-winning author Lawrence Hill as he discusses his first kids book, Beatrice and Croc Harry, with teen Bookstagrammer Aina ra Alleyne. Whether you’re a reader or a budding writer, you won’t want to miss this discussion on imagining new worlds and tackling big issues in writing.

Age 9+. 45 minutes

3. Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 9:30 am

CULTIVATING KINDNESS PT. 2 STORYTIME WITH KEAH BROWN

Join author Keah Brown as she reads from her picture book, Sam’s Super Seats, followed by a discussion on the creation of the book and the importance of kindness.

Age 4+. 30 minutes

4. Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 11:00 am

PUNCHY STORIES AND POWERFUL PACE WITH SARAH EVERETT AND TRYNNE DELANEY

Looking for a page turner? For genres like mystery and horror, pacing is incredibly important. In this event, au thors Sarah Everett and Trynne Delaney discuss their approach to creating a mood and setting the pace for their novels. Join us for this powerful conversation as they explore their experiences as writers and why they decided to write these fast-paced stories with inter viewer Liselle Sambury

Age 12+. 60 minutes

5. Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 1:30 pm A RAT, A ROCKET, AND SCIENCE WITH JOAN MARIE GALAT

Discover how scientific facts and imagination mix, and what happens when a journal-keeping lab rat starts thinking about colonizing Mars. We’ll talk about re search, misinformation, and correcting mistakes—both in writing and friendships—in this entertaining and in formative session based on the STEM-themed middle grade novel: Mortimer: Rat Race to Space.

Age 8+. 45 minutes

6. Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 4:00 pm

CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT FOR KIDS WITH HETXW’MS GYETXW (BRETT D. HUSON)

In this workshop designed for educators, Hetxw’ms Gyetxw, also known as Brett D. Huson, uses Indigenous knowledge and practices to explore a different way of teaching and understanding climate change. With an em phasis on connection to the land, the workshop will ex plore innovative approaches to informing young people about the critical issues affecting the land.

Educators. 75 minutes

7. Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 7:00 pm

PANEL: TACKLING SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES IN KIDLIT

How do you tackle big topics while writing engaging sto ries for young people? Join three incredible kid lit au thors— Keah Brown, Leonarda Carranza and Johnnie Christmas —in an important conversation moderated by Pawan “Pav” Wander on incorporating social jus tice in kids books.

All ages. 60 minutes

8. Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 9:00 am

WRITING POETRY WITH JILLIAN CHRISTMAS Poetry is a fantastic tool for storytelling. In this unique session designed for children, poet and author Jillian Christmas leads kids through the steps of creating a poem of their own.

Age 6+. 45 minutes

9. Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 11:00 am WRITING FRIENDS, FAMILY, FOES AND CRUSHES WITH S.K. ALI AND NATASHA DEEN

Young adult authors S.K. Ali and Natasha Deen will dis cuss the art of creating believable and engaging relation ships—romantic, platonic and/or familial with interviewer Alyssa Gray-Tyghter. They’ll offer practical tips for writers of all ages, explaining the stories behind the creation of their most popular and problematic characters.

Age 13+. 60 minutes

10. Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 1:30 pm

CRAFTING COMICS WITH JOHNNIE CHRISTMAS

Bestselling comics creator Johnnie Christmas will lead kids through the creation of an incredible comics page! What’s a panel? What’s the gutter? How should the panels flow? Learn all that and more through Johnnie Christmas’ graphic novel, Swim Team.

Age 10+. 45 minutes

11. Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 4:00 pm

APPROACHING ANTI-RACISM WITH KIDS WITH LEONARDA CARRANZA

In this workshop designed especially for elementary ed ucators, Leonarda Carranza uses her new picture book, Abuelita and Me, to explore how educators can discuss social issues like racism productively in their classroom.

Educators. 75 minutes

12. Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 7:00 pm THE WRITER’S LIFE WITH MATTHEW DAWKINS AND LORIDEE DE VILLA

Young adult authors Matthew Dawkins and Loridee De Villa join us to discuss writing on Wattpad, their publishing journey and what it’s like to have a book published while in university.

SUPPORTED BY

All ages. 60 minutes

13. Thursday, Nov. 10 at 9:00 am

ASL STORYTIME WITH GAITRIE PERSAUD

In this event, Deaf artist and actress Gaitrie Persaud will present the incredible children’s book, Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoes by Mahak Jain and Anu Chouhan, in American Sign Language (ASL). Suitable for children and families of all ages, this ASL storytelling event will provide learning and fun for adults and children. Oral translation will be provided by an ASL interpreter.

Age 4+. 30 minutes

14. Thursday, Nov. 10 at 9:00 am PHOENIX GETS GREATER

In conversation with Joshua Whitehead, Marty Wilson-Trudeau and Phoenix Wilson will talk about writ ing their picture book, Phoenix Gets Greater. They’ll also touch on what it means to be Two Spirit/Niizh Mani doowag and the importance of sharing their Anishi naabe culture.

Age 9+. 45 minutes

15. Thursday, Nov. 10 at 11:00 am

LEARNING CHINESE THROUGH EMOJIS WITH JASON LI

In this one-of-a-kind event for budding teen artists, au thor and illustrator Jason Li presents crafty exercises to help students learn some Chinese through emojis. For this event, we recommend students have some basic art supplies on hand.

Age 13+. 60 minutes

16. Thursday, Nov. 10 at 1:30 pm

THE ILLUSTRATOR BATTLE

The Illustrator Battle returns with a new crop of art ists who will take up their drawing tools and battle it out from their own drawing tables. This not-tobe-missed interactive event includes hilarious and complex challenges, featuring Canadian illustrators Aliya Ghare, Jason Li and our Illustrator-in-Residence Myriam Chery, with the FOLD’s very own Kids Coordinator, Ardo Omer, returning as its host.

Age 8+. 60 minutes

17. Thursday, Nov. 10 at 4:00 pm

TEACHING POETRY TO YOUNG ADULTS WITH JILLIAN CHRISTMAS

In this workshop, Jillian Christmas will breakdown how educators can teach poetry in their classrooms. How can you make the craft accessible and engaging to your students?

Educators. 75 minutes

BONUS CONTENT

AVAILABLE WHEN THE VIRTUAL PLATFORM OPENS STORYTIME WITH JAEL RICHARDSON

Award-winning author and FOLD Executive Director Jael Richardson reads from her latest children’s book Be cause You Are, a timely picture book written as a letter to her younger self that teaches young people about selfes teem, inner beauty and making a difference in the world.

Age 4+. 30 minutes

SUPPORTED BY

SUPPORTED BY

IN-PERSON EVENTS AT BRAMPTON CIVIC CENTRE

22. Saturday, Nov. 12 at 2:30 pm

RIPPLE FOUNDATION WORKSHOP: DETAILS! DETAILS!

18. Thursday, Nov. 10 at 6:30 pm

COME READ WITH ME: A STORY TIME PAJAMA PARTY

Join us at the Chinguacousy Branch of Brampton Li brary for an evening of storytelling. Come in your pa jamas and bring your favourite stuffie as you listen to some of our favourite picture books in our annual reada-loud. FOLD’s Executive Director and author Jael Rich ardson will also be reading from her new picture book, Because You Are

Age 4+. 60 minutes

19. Saturday, Nov. 12 at 10:00 am

TOGETHER WE DRUM: A DRUM SONG WITH WILLIE POLL

Join Willie Poll, author of Together We Drum, Our Hearts Beat as One, as she teaches fun drum songs, encouraging both kids and adults to sing along in the Lester B Pear son Theatre at the Brampton Civic Centre.

Age 4+. 45 minutes

20. Saturday, Nov. 12 at 11:00 am CREATE YOUR OWN COMIC WITH JASON LI

Author and illustrator Jason Li shows kids how they can make their very own mini comic, also known as a zine. Sup plies will be offered in this fun storytelling arts and craft event at the Chinguacousy Branch of Brampton Library.

Age 6+. 60 minutes

21. Saturday, Nov. 12 at 1:00 pm

BEAKERS AND BOOKS WITH EMILY SEO

Scientist and author of The Science of Boys, Emily Seo, leads kids through fun scientific experiments while dis cussing her new novel at Lester B. Pearson Theatre in the Brampton Civic Centre.

Age 8+. 60 minutes

Returning to FOLD Kids Book Fest by popular de mand, Ripple Foundation instructors lead a work shop in the Chinguacousy Branch of the Brampton Library designed to show young writers how de scriptive details enhance stories and engage readers through elements that stimulate the senses and add interest.

Age 8–14. 60 minutes

23. Saturday, Nov. 12 at 2:30 pm

ART FOR ACTION WITH PAMA

Join the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) in creating a “Be the Change” poster! Inspired by Michelle Kadarusman ’s recent books (Room for More and Berani ), this workshop will explore the topic of cli mate change using collage techniques to share how you can use art to take action.

Age 6+. 60 minutes

24. Saturday, Nov. 12 at 4:00 pm

MAKING A CHANGE ON CLIMATE CHANGE WITH ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM

Climate change can be a scary topic for kids and adults. In this event, delivered in partnership with Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), author Michelle Kadarusman (Berani and Room for More) and Dr. Soren Brothers, Allan and Helaine Shiff Curator of Climate Change at ROM, discuss climate change, spotlighting the power we all have in tackling this issue and empowering young people to take an active role in positive change at the Lester B. Pearson Theatre in the Brampton Civic Centre.

Age 10+. 60 minutes

25. Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 pm

YOUTH ON THE MIC : AN OPEN MIC & SPOKEN WORD EVENT FOR YOUNG ADULTS

It’s Open Mic night! Have a poem you’d like to share? In this Lester B Pearson Theatre event, youth ages 12+ can sign up for a spot on stage and share their poetic verses alongside incredible teen poets.

Age 12+. 60 minutes

SUPPORTED BY

IN-PERSON EVENT SPONSORS

SUPPORTED BY

PARTICIPANT BIOS

AUTHORS AND PERFORMERS

S. K. ALI is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of several books.

DR. SOREN BROTHERS is the Allan and Helaine Shiff Curator of Climate Change at the Royal Ontario Museum and an Assistant Professor at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto. Soren’s research examines the effects of climate change on lakes, and how changes in lakes can influence their greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere.

KEAH BROWN Is the author of The Pretty One and Sam’s Super Seats

LEONARDA CARRANZA is the author of the picture book, Abuelita & Me, and one of the editors of the anthology, Tongues: On Longing and Belonging Through Language.

MYRIAM CHERY is an illustrator from Québec who loves to illustrate colourful landscapes and adorable characters that highlight the happiness of childhood.

JILLIAN CHRISTMAS is an artist, creative facilitator, curator, consultant, and advocate in the arts community; she has performed and facilitat ed workshops across North America and beyond.

JOHNNIE CHRISTMAS is a #1 New York Times Best Selling graphic novelist and the author of the new middle grade graphic novel, Swim Team

MATTHEW DAWKINS is a Jamaican awardwinning author and poet. His work focuses on subjects from his personal experience such as adolescence, love, loss, culture, and mental health.

NATASHA DEEN is the award-winning author of In The Key of Nira Ghani. Her new novel, The Signs and Wonders of Tuna Rashad, is a JLG Gold Standard Selection.

TRYNNE DELANEY (they/she) is the author of A House Unsettled.

LORIDEE DE VILLA is best known for her debut novel, How to Be the Best Third Wheel, which was published in May 2022.

SARAH EVERETT is the author of several books for teens and a forthcoming middlegrade novel, The Probability of Everything

JOAN MARIE GALAT has written 25+ books including Mortimer: Rat Race to Space, a novel about a lab rat trying to prove his species should be chosen to colonize Mars.

ALIYA GHARE is a Toronto-based illustrator. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators New York, American Illustration, Adobe, the National Magazine Awards, Applied Arts, and 3x3 Magazine.

HETXW’MS GYETXW (BRETT D. HUSON) Gitxsan author, artist, and knowledge keeper. Also a research associate with the Prairie Climate Centre. Husband and father.

LAWRENCE HILL is the award-winning, internationally bestselling author of 11 books, including his most recent novel Beatrice and Croc Harry

MICHELLE KADARUSMAN is an internationally acclaimed children’s author whose middle-grade novels include Girl of the Southern Sea and Music for Tigers.

JASON LI (he/him) is an independent designer, artist and educator.

GAITRIE PERSAUD-DHUMOON is one of Canada’s most accomplished ASL music Deaf performers and actresses. Gaitrie can also be seen on Blue’s Clues as Camila, a Deaf librarian, and as an anchor for Sign1news.

WILLIE POLL is a Métis author and educator.

EMILY SEO is a Japanese Canadian chemistturned-children’s book author.

MARTY WILSON-TRUDEAU is the coauthor of the book Phoenix Gets Greater along with his son Phoenix. She is a art/drama secondary teacher in Sudbury, Ontario.

PHOENIX WILSON is 16 years old and the co-writer of Phoenix Gets Greater, a story he is so grateful to be sharing.

MODERATORS

AINARA ALLEYNE is a 13-year-old elementary student from Hamilton Ontario. Ainara curates the Instagram page @ainarasbookshelf, where she highlights books for young people whose authors and main characters are Black, Indigenous, people of colour, differently abled and other underrepresented minorities.

ALYSSA GRAY-TYGHTER is an educator, academic, writer, and speaker.

LISELLE SAMBURY is the TrinidadianCanadian author of the Governor General’s Literary Awards Finalist, Blood Like Magic.

PAWAN (PAV) WANDER is a Middle Years

Student Success Counselor for the Toronto District School and is entering her 16th year of teaching. Pav co-hosts an educational podcast called, “The Chey and Pav Show” and has co-authored a picture book called The Magnificent Microphone

JOSHUA WHITEHEAD is an Oji-nêhiyaw, Two-Spirit member of Peguis First Nation (Treaty 1). He is the author of full-metal indigiqueer, Jonny Appleseed, and Making Love with the Land as well as the editor of Love after the End: an Anthology of Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer Speculative Fiction.

THE WILD WOMAN is an award-winning spoken word artist, published poet, curator and arts educator, harnessing purpose and using poetry to challenge thoughts and ideals in order to instigate waves of change. With a career that spans over a decade, and having won the 2016 Brampton Citizen’s Award for Arts Acclaim, The Wild Woman has solidified herself as a change agent for arts and culture, cultivating a style centring her Blackness, womanity and love of soul-stirring connections.

PUBLISHING PROFESSIONALS

BRIDGETTE KAM is a literary associate at Westwood Creative Artists.

YASHASWI KESANAKURTHY is the Associate Editor (Children’s) at HarperCollins Canada.

JIEUN LEE is the assistant editor at Annick Press, where she focuses on promoting underrepresented voices and finding new creators for Annick’s list.

TAMARA SZTAINBOK (she/her) is an editor at Scholastic Canada who has worked in children’s books for over twenty years.

MARIA VICENTE is a Senior Literary Agent and Advisor at P.S. Literary Agency.

PROGRAM CONTRIBUTORS

SARAH AHMED (age 11) enjoys reading fiction and composing short stories for her 5-year-old sister. Her favorite book series is Harry Potter.

ALEXANDER BURGA (age 12) is 13 years old and in Grade 8. He loves to collect Pokémon cards and spend time with friends and family.

MOIRA DINGWALL (age 8) is nine years old and loves to read in English & in French. She also enjoys history podcasts, camping, and playing piano (sometimes).

RAIN EDAN-DOMINAS (age 6) is excited by books and movies. She likes collecting sticks on nature walks, taking care of the earth by picking up litter, and visiting little libraries in her neighbourhood.

ZARA ENAYETULLAH (age 12) was inspired to write Peace when she learned about the tragic death of Alan Kurdi in 2015. Zara lives in Alberta. In her spare time, she likes to read and skateboard.

ELEANOR FRITSCH (age 9) is an imaginative 5th grader living in downtown Ottawa.

RANIA HUSAIN (age 10) loves dancing, cats and wants to help plants and animals when she grows up. She is in Grade Six and lives in Toronto.

ZAINA HUSAIN (age 9) loves squishmallows, koalas and wants to be a vet when she grows up. She is in Grade Four and lives in Toronto.

LEHARA LOKUGE (age 9) “I’ve loved to read books since I was a little girl. My mom and dad used to read a lot of books to me when I was young. My favorite author is J.K. Rowling, I have read the whole Harry Potter series so many times. I love to read and everyday I read a lot English as well as French books.”

RUBY “AARON” MCGURRIN (age 10) Ruby lives in Toronto, Ontario and is currently in the 6th grade. They love writing stories and songs, drawing weird and exciting creatures, and voicing cartoons. Ruby has voiced characters for Cyberchase (PBS), Elinor Wonders Why (PBS), and Sago Mini Friends (Apple TV+). Ruby’s goal is to become an author and feels they’re off to a great start!

ARIA HOPE SAMUEL (age 7) loves animals and when she grows up she wants to be a veterinarian. She wrote this book to share animals can go through pain and help each other up.

RIYA SARKAR (age 10) “I go to Bruce Trail Public School. My grandmother did pass away on Jan 10th 2022. I love her so much and will never forget her. I know she’s watching me from heaven. I wanted to dedicate this book to her because I feel like I never appreciated her when she was here with us.”

SAMARA SOOD (age 9)

ROSA WHITBY (age 10) loves poetry and rabbits. She loves playing One Night Ultimate Werewolf, and Dungeons and Dragons

BOOKMARK ONTARIO FOR DIVERSE READS

Rain Edan-Dominas, age 6

Go slow snail Be climby Be peaceful

SNAIL BE CALM EARTH

Rania Husain, age 10

“Hello, I am earth. You may know me considering you walk on me 24/7!”

“Ahem, sorry about that.”

“I have a confession. I am sad.”

“Why, earth? Why are you sad?”

WRITING PORTFOLIO

“I’m glad you asked. I am sad because I’m small compared to my cousins, except Mercury and Venus. I’m bigger than them. At least I’m not my little cousin, Pluto. Poor him. He’s not even considered a planet anymore. My mom, the sun makes us spin around her and look at her asteroids. After talking to you I guess I realize that life isn’t so bad, I just have to do some growing up.”

OUR STORMY QUEST

Lehara Lokuge, age 9

Hi! My name is Lily and I have something very import ant to tell you, an evil wizard is causing very disastrous hurricanes and other weather disasters.

“Mom, look another twister!” I yelled.

“Get in the basement!” Dad yelled, but I remem bered Rosy, my cousin was coming. I had to go get her! I dashed out the door and ran until I saw her. After a while the hurricane passed and we ran back to my house. My parents looked distraught when we got back, my sister, Mia, was crying in the corner with our hissing cat, Layla, on her lap.

That night me, Rosy and Mia decided to go stop the wizard. So, that night we packed up, left a note to our parents and set off. We made a line on our map of where the hurricanes led.

First we had to cross a murky marsh. Everywhere we stepped vines emerged and tried to bind our feet, so we had to jump instead of walking. We reached a plain grassland and rested for a while. Next morning, we left and after a while had a snack break. Then in about an hour of walking we reached a desert. I heard a whooshing sound behind us and there were hundreds of scorpions chasing us!

“Run!” I yelled.

We ran and ran until we lost the scorpions behind some humongous sand dunes. But then the scorpions came back from the side.

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!” yelled Mia.

We ran all the way out of the desert and strange ly the scorpions didn’t follow. We were now in a dense-looking forest. We drank some water and we were heading into the forest when a tiger with red eyes started to chase us.

“Oh not again!” I sighed. We ran all the way out of the forest into a grassland but a tornado swept us up into a cold iceland.

“It’s freezing here!” said Rosy. Right then a beau tiful girl popped out from literally nowhere. She was wearing a dress as silver as the moon and high heels as gold as the sun.

“I sent the tornado.” she said. “By the way, I al ready know who you are. The winds told me. I wish you luck on your quest. Also, I might send you a little help if I can. Since the wizard came it’s been getting harder to take control of the winds. Goodbye!”

After a while we set up the tent and decided to wait until the next morning to move on. In the morning after we packed up, quite a strong gust of wind carried us far away from the iceland to the plain grassland where the wizard lived. We tried the door and it was open. We heard laughter so we followed the sound and it led us to the throne room where the wizard was sitting. We saw an unbreakable golden chain. Rosy created a distraction while me and Mia threw the net over him. Finally, we got to go home.

CONTENTS

ALWAYS WATCHING

Riya Sarkar, age 10

One sunny peaceful day Riya woke up to the birds chirping outside her window. She got out of bed and walked outside of her room, she could smell the choc olate chip pancakes from down stairs. She ran down the stairs excitedly so she could eat all the pancakes before her sister could.

Riya’s mom greeted her as she sat down on the bar stool in front of the island counter. Her mom quickly gave her two pancakes as she ran to answer a phone call. Riya was looking around and saw a new thing hanging from the wall, it was a picture of her Nani with her name and year of birth. She took the last bite of the piece of pancake and ran up leaving the other one on the plate. Her mom came back in the kitchen and saw that Riya didn’t eat the second pan cake, she left it there just in case Riya wanted it back.

Meanwhile upstairs Riya was on her bed sobbing thinking, ‘’I never got to say goodbye. Why didn’t I ap preciate her when she was here?”

After a little bit she decided to get out of the house and visit some of her family members. She walked down to the kitchen and grabbed a water bot tle, she found her mom and told her that she was go ing for a walk. She left her house and went downtown because some of her family members work at the pop-up shops. First she saw her older cousin Shreya, who owns a flower shop, they said hi to each other and talked for a bit. Riya’s cousin noticed that her eyes were watered up so she asked what was wrong, Riya told her that she was crying because she misses Nani. Shreya asked if she wanted her to tell her a story of Nani, Riya nodded yes.

“Well I know one time Nani was at a fabric store to make a suit for a wedding and she kept on trying to bargain to lower the price because she thought it was too expensive.” They both laughed. “Here, do you want a flower?” Shreya asked.

“Sure! Riya said, she walked off to find some of her other family members. Next she saw her aunt, she walked up to her and said hi. Her aunt owns a painting

pop-up shop, she loves paintings so she sells them to make extra money. Her aunt said hi and said Shreya texted me saying you miss Nani, Riya said yes and sighed looking unhappy.

“I’m trying to think, oh I remember when me, your mom and your other two aunts were trying to make a reef because it was almost Christmas and at the time everything was so expensive especially things that have to do with the holidays. Your Nani saw us and tried to help us, it was the best one in the neighbor hood, that’s why everyone says she was very creative.”

“Thanks, I should go now, it’s probably going to get busy,” said Riya.

“Oh before you go, I keep on forgetting to give you this, it’s a painting of Blaze, Logan, Karma, Paso, and you,” said her aunt.

“It’s so cute. Did you take a picture of all of the dogs and then paint them next to me?” Her aunt said yes. They both said bye.

Riya knew that her Nani´s best friend owned an Indian clothing shop, she sells suits, sarees, lenghas, and bangles. Riya´s Nani loved making traditional clothing with her best friend. She walked up to her Nani´s best friend and said hi, they talked for a bit.

“Your aunt texted me saying you’re missing your Nani,” said her Nani’s friend.

“Yeah,” Riya said.

“Oh perfect, I remember one time it was peak wedding time and our shop was really busy. This one customer was really picky, first she wanted a pink lengha, then a blue one with gold lining. Once your Nani made the lengha that she finally decided, we gave it to her. Then she complained about how the color was too dark and how expensive it was. I didn’t have enough courage to speak back, but your Nani did. Anyways the customer ended up leaving and a different customer bought it,” said Riya’s Nani’s friend.

“Wow I didn’t know Nani ever spoke back, like I knew that she would speak up to people in our family but not a total stranger!” Riya said, surprised. “Well I

better go now because I think my mom is waiting,” Riya said.

“Okay say hi to your mom for me,” her Nani’s friend yelled as Riya walked away.

The sun was slowly going down and it was close to dinner time. Riya got home and it was time for dinner. She walked it to the kitchen smelling roti and paneer. Her mom heard the footsteps and turned around, “Hi sweetheart, where have you been?”.

“Oh um… I was downtown,” Riya murmured. As her mom was stirring the paneer she noticed a bag in

the corner. “What’s in that bag?” she asked.

“Oh yeah I saw Shreya and auntie, Shreya gave me a rose and auntie gave me a painting of Blaze, Logen, Karma, Paso and me,” Riya said as her mom poured the paneer on her plate,fighting the urge to not lie to her mom.

After a bit Riya got in bed, in her mind she was thinking about the stories told about her Nani. She re alized that her Nani is always watching over her and will always love her no matter what.

If you could design a saree fora special occasion, what wouldthe pattern be like?

PEACE

Zara Enayetullah, age 12

I sit on the floor of a boat

A very ramshackle boat, held together with tape and a prayer

The rock of the boat lulls me to sleep

But sleep is a lucky thing

The people on this boat mainly pray, Cry and rock

And perhaps throw up over the edge of the boat

My mother, holds me in her arms

She kisses me

My father has an arm around my brother

The boat rocks and tumbles

We have run from my homeland

Syria

Mama whispers to me stories of Syria

Before it was wartorn and corrupt

It sounds beautiful

It sounds like a home

A place where Mama and Daddy could have raised their family

And then war broke out

So Mama and Daddy chose to relocate their little family

I remember

the long days as we trekked towards Turkey

I remember I was always carried

I never had to walk

I remember my mother always kissed me

People are screaming

The waves are huge

My mom grips me tightly

My dad holds my mom, me and my brother so tightly

I feel safe

Though the waves are high, higher than the boat

I feel my family’s love radiate through me

The waves are higher than the boat

We get tossed off

There is so much darkness right now

An endless cycle of darkness and screaming

My dad holds my mom’s hand

I slip and fall into the water

My mama grabs at the water

She grabs me

I try to grab her hand

Her hand slips

She falls in My father rescues me

I see my mother, Slowly sinking

Her hair is like a halo around her head

In my heart,

I know I’ll never see her again

She looks at peace

My father looks down with tears in his eyes

He paddles us to safety

He tells us:

We’re going to build a new life

A safe life

Though she is gone

She’ll never be fully gone

Because we’ll always keep her in our hearts

CHARLIE’S BOOKS

Eleanor Fritsch, age 9

“Everybody is alike, but at the same time everybody is different,” read Charlie as she finished what seemed like her four hundredth book. Charlie was a ten-year old who liked to play soccer. But most of all, Charlie liked to read and could spend hours in the library.

It was an ordinary weekend in Ottawa when Charlie decided to go to the library to read her fa vourite books. Charlie was walking down the street when she noticed the trucker convoy everybody was talking about. At first there were only a few trucks but as she got closer to the library there were more and more trucks.

She was only a block away from the library when she tripped on somebody’s foot and found herself looking up at a man wearing Canadian flags all over his body. “Hi girly, what’s up? Did you trip on daddy’s foot?”

He reached down towards Charlie and said, “You can take your mask off girly, it’s okay, you have some big strong men around.” Charlie was so humiliated she ran the rest of the way to the library as the man’s laughter trailed behind her.

When Charlie got inside, she headed for the books that usually cheered her up. The first was about a cow boy that had a horse he couldn’t control, the second about a fairy that hated magic, the third about a witch that liked to turn people into frogs, and the fourth was about an assertive twelve-year-old girl named Bree.

Charlie opened the four books and, as she ex pected, the characters instantly came to life.

“Howdy, what’s up my little book worm?” asked the cowboy.

Charlie told the cowboy all about the man. When she was done, the cowboy said, “You should go tie him up!”

“Mister Cowboy!” Charlie said exclaimed. “You can’t solve anything that way.”

“She’s quite right!” said a small voice from the sec ond book.

The cowboy shot back, “What’s that, Miss Flutter Dust ?” “I said she’s quite right. As a matter of fact, I think Charlie should go to the man and invite him for dinner.”

Then, the third book hadn’t interrupted. “Listen Flutter Dust,” the witch said. “Charlie isn’t going to in vite her enemy over for a party. Charlie should just turn him into a frog!”

Charlie rolled her eyes and was beginning to feel tired with these books when the cowboy yelled “AHH! MY HORSE!”

The fairy snapped back, “Stop yelling about your horse, you’re so annoying!”

“Stop telling people how annoying they are,” the witch hollered. “That’s really annoying!”

Then, Bree spoke. “You should tell that man you’re mad him for making you feel small but you won’t let jerks like him push you around!”

“Good idea Bree!” Charlie closed all the books and hurried out of the library.

Charlie went and told the man exactly what Bree had said. When she was done, the man tried to say something back but it didn’t matter because Charlie was already walking away with her head high.

LELI’S DREAM

Moira Dingwall, age 8

Once upon a time there was a panda named Leli. She dreamed of going to school. There was no school nearby. Leli lived in a bamboo forest.

One day while Leli was looking for food she saw a village. And in the village there was a school. Even better, it was a village of Pandas!

That night while Leli was eating dinner Leli told her parents about the village.

After Leli told her parents about the village, Leli asked if she could go to the school.

They said, “Yes!”

Leli was so excited.

On one condition. Leli would have to pay the en try fee with her own money.

“But it’s $300!” cried Leli.

FLY

Zaina Husain, age 9

This is a poem about how at school sometimes I’m shy

And I don’t want to try But today is a new day and I will try And hope to fly up to the sky Because school is cool And I don’t want to be a fool

The next morning while Lei was staring at the village and eating one of her mother’s delicious cup cakes she stopped and looked at the cupcake in her hand. She had an idea.

When Leli came home she made the cupcakes and tried one, they were delicious.

The next day Leli went down to the village and sold her cupcakes.

She met some pandas who went to the school and they were really excited for her to come to school.

The next day Leli went to pay the entry fee. Leli started the day after she paid.

Leli loved school. Most of all she loved her class mates and new friends.

THE LUCKY DUCK WHO GOT A BUCK

Sarah Ahmed, age 11

Loopy duck was her name, Every animal called her insane, They trapped her out in the rain; Then they stole away her father’s cane.

Soon Loopy had had enough; She made her announcement cough, cough, cough, “I’ll find something to prove my worth; So that you won’t think of me as dirt!”.

Animals laughed, hooted, cackled and roared; But Loopy didn’t let them stop her; She was part of her own horde, This she thought as she passed the road.

She searched for countless hours, But in the end when night fell; Nothing had helped, Nothing to show nor, tell.

As she sourly made her way; Something bright and green, No one else had seen; Flapped out of the grime.

A buck;

Loopy duck had a buck; Oh what luck!

She thought as she pried it out the muck. She waddled along the street, With flapping wings; And dancing feet, Her expectations would finally meet.

She walked into the farm; Holding up her forearm, Animals looked up in alarm; Fearing harm.

Instead they saw; When their eyes shone; The shining buck, With new found respect for Loopy duck.

CONTENTS

THE DRAGON AND THE BUTTERFLY

Aria Samuel, age 7

One night a dragon named Flip was going for a fly. When all of a sudden he bumped in a Willow tree. A big swarm of butterflies came out of the Willow tree. All of a sudden, Flip heard a quiet voice saying, “Are you okay?”

Flip turned to look and he was wondering who that was. He saw a tiny butterfly behind him. And re plied, “Yes.”

The butterfly led Flip inside the Willow Tree.

Flip asked the butterfly for its name.

She said, “My name is River.”

River asked for the dragon’s name, he responded, “My name is Flip.”

“Ow!” cried Flip when he tried to take off a leaf off of his back that he got from the Willow Tree.

“I’ll call the doctor!” shouted River.

Once the doctor examined Flip, he cried, “That’s one broken wing to me!”

“Aw man, how am I supposed to get home?” said Flip in a sobbing voice.

“I don’t know how you can get home,” gulped Riv er. They thought, and thought, and thought.

All of a sudden, Flip thought, River has wings! What if she can teach him how to fly again? When Flip explained his idea to River, she felt so excited for Flip to get back in the sky again.

“We can start first thing in the morning!” beamed River. They were so tired from making Flip a bed, they slept through the night.

When the bright sun rose, River blew a very loud whistle and said, “Wake up, Flip! Let’s get breakfast and start your practice.”

“5 more minutes,” groaned Flip.

“We have to practice to at least get you home in one week,” shouted River.

“Oh right, well then what’s for breakfast?” re quested Flip.

“Nectar,” replied River.

“What is nectar?” asked Flip.

“It’s just like honey but totally better,” smirked

River. Flip wondered how they will get there. River ex plained to Flip that his project is to get to the nectar while learning to fly.

“Oh, man but River I’m super-duper hungry,” pro tested Flip.

“So you don’t want to go home?” questioned River.

Flip tried to explain the best way he could that he wanted to go home, but he was just a bit scared about flying again. River tried to encourage Flip to try to fly again since it has been only one day since his accident.

Flip agreed and questioned River, “But do you have safety gears just in case I fall? Just to be safe. Do you have a helmet?” wondered Flip.

“No, but we have some old nut shells that can re place a helmet.” assured River.

“Okay, do you have some straps?” alerted Flip.

“No,” replied River, “but we have some thin leaves to use for straps.”

“Do you have some glue?” asked Flip.

“No” acknowledged River, “but we have some mud to stick things together because it’s very sticky.”

“Okay, so can you help me stick all of them togeth er?” asked Flip.

“Yes!!” cheered River.

Cling, ting, pong, clattered the nut shells, leaves, and mud as Flip and River made the safety gears.

“There, now can we continue your flying lesson?” questioned River. Flip agreed.

“You know how you asked where we go to get nec tar? We go to the meadow.” River explained.

“The meadow river! That is such a long distance and my wing is broken. Plus like I said I’m super-duper hungry,” groaned Flip.

“I know and that’s why we are going to walk for the most part,” replied River.

“Okay, let’s go!” said Flip excitedly.

After three long flying lessons. Flip explained to River that his wings felt really strong and he thought he was ready to fly again! They did a little test and it seemed to River that Flip was definitely ready to get

back out there.

Meanwhile at Flip’s home… Flip’s mom, Diana, was sick and worried about Flip. His dad, Freddy, on the other hand knew that Flip loves flying at night. He suggested to Diana that Flip might have gone for a fly.

Diana tried to calm down and have positive thoughts.

Back at the Willow Tree… Flip and River said their goodbyes and hoped to see each other soon. Flip’s flight back home was nice and smooth, no crashing into trees thanks to River and her training.

After 30 minutes, Flip returned safely home. Thinking his mom and dad didn’t notice that he snuck out, Flip quickly went under the covers and pretended to sleep for the rest of the night. That was not the end, that was just the beginning of Flip and River’s friendship.

NARI-LEE AND IVAH, TWIN HYDRAS

Samara Sood, age 9

Once upon a time two hydras named Nari-Lee and Ivah were playing a game outside. Nari-Lee saw a shadow moving somewhere behind an oak tree.

“Ive, did you see that?” he said.

Ivah looked over to where Nari-Lee was staring, and she made out a tiny two-legged beast. Ivah recog nized this creature as a human. The human shot a net out of this metal barrel and trapped her kin.

“Nari!” she yelled, but the human had already left in a big machine. Ivah assumed that her mother had gone to bed, so she silently gathered a couple items and then set out at the crack of dawn. Ivah walked to the forbidden human city and found a huge dome just on the edge of town.

“This is it,” she thought happily as she descended a slope carefully. “Time to rescue Nari”!

Ivah knew that humans could grab her if she were to enter in plain sight, so she decided to go in stealth ily. There was a window at the top of the building and that was a perfect spot to see where Nari-Lee was. Ivah climbed up the slippery white dome and perched up on the windowsill. Ivah glanced in and saw Na ri-Lee in a steel cage. Her twin had a look of bravery on his face. There were many humans surrounding the cage. One human put the key to the cage in a mini drawer in the table. The humans left the room and Ivah knew that now was her chance. Ivah found out

that she could push the window and so she pushed through the window. Ivah hopped down into the dome and quietly peeked around a huge desk. There were no humans in sight, so she stepped over to the desk where one human hid the key and fumbled with the drawer until it opened.

Just then she heard a joyful cry. “Ivah!”

Ivah spun around to see her brother and smiled. “I am getting you out of here!” she exclaimed. Ivah took the key and unlocked the cage. Nari-Lee motioned to make a fast getaway before the humans came back. The twins hopped up on the ledge to get to the win dow. When they got up to the window, they pushed it open. The hydras carefully slid down the dome and raced back to their home in the woodlands. They found their mother pacing outside their home. When she saw them she ran towards them crying with joy.

“Oh, Nari-Lee, Ivah, I’ve been worried sick!” she exclaimed as she sobbed.

“We’re okay, mom” Nari-Lee said.

“Oh, my dears, tell me what happened during that dreadful time?” their mother said.

So, Nari-Lee and Ivah retold their story again and again and soon the whole village knew what hap pened. These young hydras became a living legend in the town and lived happily ever after.

LILO AND PEK

Ruby (Aaron) McGurrin, age 10

It was a stormy Saturday evening in Tallahassee, Flor ida. The rain was pouring out of the gutter like it was running from a bear, and Lilo heard scratching and thumping at the front door.

“Could it be the mailman?” Lilo thought. She went to the door, and when she opened it she saw a little armadillo, drenched from the heavy rain. Lilo let the poor thing in, and ran to get some towels to dry it off. The cold armadillo curled into a ball whenever Lilo came close. After a while the creature let Lilo get near enough to dry him off. Once he was all dry, Lilo decid ed to name him Pek.

Pek went wandering around the small home with a full heart, and an empty stomach. Lilo found some worms that came up because of the rain, fed Pek, and before she knew it, it was bedtime.

“Lilo! It’s nearly nine--aaaahhh!!!” Lilo’s mother shouted. “What IS that thing!?”

Pek’s armadillo version of a smile faded after hearing her words.

Lilo responded with a calm, “This is Pek! He’s an armadillo.” Lilo held up Pek, who immediately tried to get back on the ground. “Ta-Da!” Lilo said proud ly, then put him down. “I found him scratching at the door. Isn’t he cute? And so nice too!”

“He sleeps outside,” her mother said, irritated.

A few days passed, and all Lilo did was play with Pek, but he seemed to be feeling blue. He barely chit tered, not to mention skittered, he wouldn’t play, and slept all day. Lilo decided, “Oh! I’ll write Pek a card! That will cheer him up!” and that’s exactly what she did. When Pek got the letter, he was over the moon! But the next day, he was sad again, and Lilo realized that she would have to make a decision.

“Do I want myself to be happy, but Pek to be sad?” Lilo thought. “He should be with his family.”

But Lilo wasn’t ready for what happened; Pek went back to his home. Lilo was devastated, and re fused to go out for days. One day, the mail arrived, and there it was! A letter from Pek! He said he was so happy, and would visit Lilo soon. At that moment, Lilo knew reuniting him with his family had been the right thing to do.

Well, Pek kept his promise!

Family reunions looked a little strange in Lilo’s house from then on, but even Mom was happy to have an armadillo in the family photos.

Lilo and Pek would go to a bowling alley every Christmas. And of course, Pek was the ball.

REVERSEPUNZEL

Alexander Burga, age 12

My name is Evelyn and I work for Rapunzel the Sec ond. To think that I would be in Rapunzel’s situation is pretty sad. I’m stuck in this tower forced to make hair ties for Rapunzel. But you want the whole story, don’t you? Well ell I’ve been here for two and a half years, and that’s nothing compared to what Rapunzel has planned for me. Since Rapunzel is so gorgeous and beautiful no one questions why there’s someone stuck up in this tower. They’re too distracted with the pret ty lady in front of them. They wouldn’t bother to even think of saving me because I’m not beautiful like Ra punzel. It’s not like I could leave either, because there’s a giant dragon guarding the tower that’s in the base ment. It’ll be released if Rapunzel notices I’m gone.

It makes me sad that no one has come to rescue me, because I’ve done nothing wrong. My mom had some problems with Rapunzel the first and told her not to punish her; but punish me. I’m so angry that my own mother would do that to me! It makes me want to kick down this door!

But then I heard Rapunzel walking down the hall. The door unlocked and I kicked it as she opened it. She got hit on the head and I was quick to apologize.

Rapunzel yelled at me to go to the basement where the dragon was.

My heart was pound ing as I walked closer to the basement door. As

soon as I entered, I approached the dragon asking if it had a name. It didn’t speak. After thinking for a little I came up with the name Drake.

The dragon seemed excited about that name, be cause his ears perked up like a dog.

I then asked if the dragon would help me escape but then the dragon’s ears drooped down and began looking gloomy.

I was wondering what was wrong, but Drake pointed at the wall.

There was a message written on the wall. ‘I stole your fire, you big ugly dragon! – Rapunzel’.

After a long time of thinking I finally came up with a plan. Firstly, I picked up a torch that was in the room and used it to burn down the basement door.

Secondly, I crept over to Rapunzel’s room and looked around. I tried to be quiet as Rapunzel was sleeping, but I felt a warm presence coming from her drawer. As I opened the door I saw an orange orb inside a glass bottle. I was instantly excited but my excitement was short-lived as my celebration woke Rapunzel.

I quickly fled with the bottle and Rapunzel was giv ing chase as we raced down the hall. I made it to the basement and smashed the bottle on the ground. The orb floated inside the dragon, followed by a mighty roar. I hopped onto the dragon, and Drake crashed out of the basement and we soared away into the night sky.

YOUR INNER BUNNY

Rosa Whitby, age 10

Find your inner bunny hiding out of sight, Just find your inner bunny when you lie awake at night.

Sometimes on your pillow, or sitting on your bed, Sometimes on the bookshelf, or just on your head.

Find your inner bunny on the bookshelf or the bed, And know that it will always be alive inside your head.

Bunnies are on the loose! Can you find any other animals hidingonthispage?

Celebrates the beauty of self-love, the power of rest, and the necessity of accessible seating in public spaces. This full-colour illustrated handbook introduces and explains Han characters and idioms through the language of emoji.

ELEMENTARY

SAM’S SUPER SEATS Keah Brown 978-0593323892

Penguin Random House Canada

ABUELITA AND ME Leonarda Carranza 978-1773216102

Annick Press

WHERE DO YOUR FEELINGS LIVE?

Catherine Hernandez illustrated by Myriam Chery 978-1443464291

HarperCollins Canada

THE MAGIC SHELL Jillian Christmas 978-1999156244 Flamingo Rampant

JOURNEY OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN Aliya Ghare 978-1459827608

Orca Book Publishers

THE RAVEN MOTHER Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson) 978-1774920039 Portage and Main/ HighWater Press

BHARATANATYAM IN BALLET SHOES Mahak Jain illustrated by Anu Chouhan 978-1773216157

Annick Press

ROOM FOR MORE Michelle Kadarusman 978-1772782523

Pajama Press

MIDDLE GRADE

TOGETHER WE DRUM, OUR HEARTS BEAT AS ONE Willie Poll 978-1551528892

Arsenal Pulp Press

BECAUSE YOU ARE Jael Richardson 978-1443464802 HarperCollins Canada

PHOENIX GETS GREATER Marty Wilson-Trudeau & Phoenix Wilson 978-1772602531

Second Story Press

SWIM TEAM Johnnie Christmas 978-0063056770

HarperCollins Canada

MORTIMER: Rat Race to Space Joan Marie Galat 978-1770866539

DCB/Cormorant

BEATRICE AND CROC HARRY Lawrence Hill 978-1443463362 HarperCollins Canada

BERANI Michelle Kadarusman 978-1772782608 Pajama Press

THE SCIENCE OF BOYS Emily Seo 978-1926890371

Tradewind Books

TEENS

LOVE FROM MECCA TO MEDINA S.K. Ali 978-1665934152

Simon and Schuster Canada

UNTIL WE BREAK Matthew Dawkins 978-1990259692

Wattpad

THE SIGNS AND WONDERS OF TUNA RASHAD Natasha Deen 978-0762478705

Hachette Book Group Canada

A HOUSE UNSETTLED Trynne Delaney 978-1773216959

Annick Press

HOW TO BE THE BEST THIRD WHEEL Loridee De Villa 978-1777290085

Wattpad

HOW TO LIVE WITHOUT YOU Sarah Everett 978-0358256229

HarperCollins Canada

THE HANMOJI HANDBOOK: Your Guide to the Chinese Language Through Emoji Jason Li 978-1536219135

Penguin Random House Canada